A method of managing servers of a distributed computer system by using an intent-based CLI (command line interface) executing by one or more processors of a remote computing device, the servers hosting a virtual cluster comprising one or more virtual machines. The method includes receiving, by a first server of the servers, a connection-request from the intent-based CLI to establish an encrypted connection between the first server and the remote computing device. The method includes authenticating the connection-request and establishing, in response to authenticating the connection-request, a first encrypted communication channel between the first server and the remote computing device. The method includes receiving, via the first encrypted communication channel, an operation-request for a list of intent-based operations supported by the first server. The method includes building, by the first server and in response to receipt of the operation-request, a list of intent-based operations supported by the first server.